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Monday, March 14, 2016

Tips for Frugal Truckers to Stay Within Their Budgets

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to save a buck or two when it comes to running a business. But being frugal is even more important when you’re just starting out as an owner-operator. Like any other business, startup costs can be high, so any way you can save money is a welcome act.
Here are some tips to spending less when out on the open road.

Get the Most out of Your Mileage

Shifting to low RPMs is always a good idea to help save fuel when driving. The higher you rev them up, the more gas you tend to burn. Fiddle around with your specific truck to see how it runs best. Make sure that you check your tires regularly to see if they’re under- or over-inflated, as this can also burn unnecessary fuel. Get yourself a GPS to help you lower gas consumption — these handy gadgets can help you detect heavy traffic, and also point you to the quickest route to your destination.

Always Pack a Lunch

It’s pretty common for truckers to hit up a diner at a truck stop to get a nice warm meal after a few hours on the road. While this is obviously convenient, it’s also much more expensive than packing a lunch yourself. Sure, you’ll have to hit the grocery store more often and spend a few extra minutes each morning preparing your own meals, but the savings at the end of the week or month can be astronomical. And don’t forget to prepare snack foods too, like fruits, veggies, cheese, and crackers. Not only is it cheaper, it’s healthier too!

Maintain Your Budget at All Times

Before you spend a dime, make sure that you set a budget first. Having an outline of how much money you have coming in versus how much is going out on expenses will help you stay out of the red. Once you’ve got a budget in place, you’ll know exactly how much you have to spend every day, whether it’s for food, maintenance, or anything else related to your business.

Just a few habits can really help you save a bundle at the end of the day.